LUTEIN and zeaxanthin are natural yellow-pigmented nutrients belonging to the carotenoid family. Carotenoids are the red, yellow, and orange pigments found in yellow-orange fruits and vegetables, dark green, leafy vegetables and corn.

But lutein and zeaxanthin do more than give plants their pretty colours. These two compounds form the macular pigments and are found in large amounts in the lens and retina of our eyes. Here they function as antioxidants to potentially help protect our eyes by filtering high-energy blue light. By filtering blue light, the pigments protect underlying cell layers from potential light damage.

Many studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. AMD and cataract incidence are growing. Worldwide, more than 25 million people are affected by age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people over age 55 in the Western world and the incidence is expected to triple by 2025.